Winter Harvest Surprises

When we think of winter cooking, we think of slow cooking pots of legumes with root vegetables, of big bubbly chowders and stews – all the comfort food. But who has the time to prepare them when we also have all these holiday associated activities going on such as preparing the rich calorie laden dishes, cakes and pastries we will reserve for holiday lunches and dinners with family and friends? So our regular home meals need to be healthy, quick and easy to prepare and what better way to do this with than with seafood?

To get inspiration for seafood dishes for this winter, I took a stroll down the produce aisle of my neighborhood market and found some great seasonal items to use that are so fresh and readily available now, like tangerines, pomegranates, butternut squash, chestnuts, cranberries, kumquats and persimmons. The recipes I¹ve prepared for you are quick and easy with wonderful ingredients of the winter season¹s harvest.

I have also recently traveled to the Far East to teach Coleson’s Catch® cooking classes at select Commissaries and was able to talk with people who use Coleson’s Catch® seafood products. Many use one or two items regularly but were at a loss as to how to use others. I introduced Tilapia, Scallops, Mussels on a Half Shell and Mahi Mahi – they were a big hit. I’d like to share these recipes with you. Enjoy!